Sunday, February 2, 2014

February 2 -- The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple -- youth and old age

A topic that is quite relevant to Mount Michael's monastic community is: old age and dealing with aging.

Today's feast reminds me of elderly people because of two elders in the gospel for today-- Simeon and Anna. Of course, in monastic communites today's gospel contains words that we hear and sing every day at Night Prayer or Compline, the Nunc Dimittis-- Now you can dismiss your servant!

I think of myself aging, but I also think of the elders of our community. The one that comes to mind immediately is Br. Francis Schmitz. He has become quite a character in our community as he ages. He keeps us all laughing, eventhough his antics are sometimes preditable.

Here is Br. Francis in his raincoat at this year's Fall Festival. One can be assured that he is answering any questions by asking more questions. He loves responding that way these days.

Br. Franics's birthday is coming up this month. On February 18th he will be 84 years old. Although a few of our monastic members are ahead of him, Br. Francis certainly comes to mind when I think of the elders of my life who recognize God in his midst! All one can say is: "He is something"!

The other community members in the 80s are: Abbot Raphael Walsh, Abbot Theodore Wolff, Fr. Adrian Liable, Br. Mark Bern.

Ever since I wrote an article entitled, Fearing Failure, I have had lots of people tell me that it was very helpful for them or that they could identify with it. As a result of that feedback, all of this has caused me to do much thinking. I am reminded of a phrase that I recall from Henri Nouwen – “the more personal – the more universal.”
I am presenting a series of articles related to vocational discernment, personal stories from members of the Mount Michael Community, and generally vocation-related topics.
I hope some of this material is helpful and if nothing else interesting.